The city has become a finalist for an award that recognizes cooperative efforts to make progress.

Clearwater is one of 30 cities that have been named finalists for the designation of All-America City.

The award is passed out every year by the National Civil League, a Denver-based think tank that promotes efficient government.

Ten winners will be declared in mid June. Before then, the city has to convince the NCL judges that they are the best in the bunch, which includes South Florida's Lauderhill, Pembroke Pines and Pompano Beach. Other finalists include Stamford, Conn., and Cottage Grove, Ore.

"It's an effort to recognize communities where people are working together in a proactive, thoughtful and constructive way," said Chris Gates, president of the NCL.

All finalists are asked to send a delegation to the June 10-12 final selection competition in Atlanta. Judges will hear each group's pitch and then decide winners on June 12.

Clearwater is poised to send 17 or 18 people - possibly including a spoken-word poet from North Greenwood - to convince the NCL that they are the best.

"It's a three-day process that consists of a community expo where you showcase your city," said Doug Matthews, the public communications director for Clearwater. "Obviously, you want to have representatives indicative of the breadth of the partnership. You want to have the right people."

Clearwater hopes to win by focusing on three things: the Hispanic Outreach Center, the library's GOALS program (a youth reading and tutoring effort) and the revitalization of the North Greenwood area.

Each of those programs relies upon the joint efforts of businesses, city government employees and volunteers, a major criterion for award-winners.

"It's how the community as a whole gets together as a whole to solve a problem," said Matthews.

The National Civil League was created by Theodore Roosevelt in 1894 and has been giving out the All-America City Award since 1954. In addition to the awards, the NCL promotes good government by conducting research and publishing a quarterly journal.

The NCL designation does not mean a community is perfect, said Gates. But it is a boon to the city.

"This is a boost both internally and externally," said Gates. "This is the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for a community. It says this is a place where people worry more about solving problems than who gets the credit. Internally, it's a helpful reminder to a community that as tough as their challenges might be, that somebody from outside has recognized they are making progress and doing good things."

---------------------------------------

FV SAYS: "they are making progress and doing good things?" Not in the rule of Terri's case. Clearwater doesn't deserve the equivalent of a good housekeeping seal of approval.

Terri's rehab money is gone and she's in isolation. What, 37 days now, since MARCH 29 / Monday pm

[cyn -- This is NOT the Mother's Day present this city should be giving one of it's most patient mothers.]

CITY OF CLEARWATER IS POLISHING ITS IMAGE FOR A CONTEST TO BE THE ALL AMERICAN CITY.

I have the phone numbers for the City of Clearwater's Communication Director: DOUG MATTHEWS: PH #727-562-4661 [this is the official contact # and is the ONLY # that should be used!]

*** Please forward this email to your friends to contact Doug Matthews and tell him Clearwater's chances of winning as All American City are slim and none because of Clearwater and Pinellas County's mistreatment of an INNOCENT WOMAN. They can fill in their own remarks beyond that.

IMPORTANT: It's KEY to state that you are not with the attorneys or Terri's family, but are a CONCERNED TAXPAYER FOR JUSTICE IN PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA.

And even beyond the Terri Schiavo issue (which is more of a state issue than a city issue, but still reflects poorly on Clearwater), this is something that the city of Clearwater is probably wasting a pretty good-sized chunk of taxpayer money on. And for what? A press release, and the ability to put some placards under the "Clearwater City Limits" signs that says "ALL-AMERICAN CITY 2004."

}:-)4

3
posted on 05/05/2004 11:45:55 AM PDT
by Moose4
(Those who serve--thank you. May you find us worthy of the sacrifices you make.)

Prayerfully submitted to FR for our review and consideration for action. Excellence in policing? If that is keeping a woman's MOTHER from visiting her and putting lip gloss on her lips. She might choke, dontcha know.

The winner of the All American City Award is FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES, HUMAN RIGHTS, POLICING, etc.

Contact Info: gchandler@ncl.org Ph #303-571-4343 FX #303-571-4404

IMO, this is not a good year for Clearwater to be in the TOP THIRTY. CLEARWATER SHOULD LOSE THE COMPETITION hands down.

When those who want to contact the NCL do so, WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL NOT TO SLANDER THE CITY OF CLEARWATER AND TO JUST LAY OUT THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM. They have tried to starve Terri to death TWICE, the Judges have ignored the guardianship statutes and the Clearwater Police Dept. is investigating a criminal assault against Terri Schindler-Schiavo WHICH MAY SIMPLY BE A HOAX PERPETRATED BY the husband's attorney.

Hardly an All American City unless we are competing with the TALIBAN and Al Quaeda.

In 1990, Terri did NOT just 'collaspe'. Two doctor's testified that Terri suffered a neck spinal cord injury, that was similar to a strangulation injury. For 14 long years, Michael has used Terri as a legal pawn and cash cow. And Michael continues to seek a court order to have Terri starved to death. In 14 years, Terri was comatose only for several weeks, back in 1990. Terri is NOT in a coma, and she is not 'terminally ill'. And yet, she contiues to be isolated in a Hospice room. Terri has been denied some basic care, and her estranged husband Michael has denied Terri the therapy and rehabilitaion he had promised the Court, and that has been recommended by several doctors, nurses, and therapists. For all these years, Michaeal got the MONEY, and Terri got the 'shaft'! This is not about some kind of 'dignified death, - this is about silencing a witness!

ISOLATION DAY 37 (Wed. May 5, 2004)Days since Terri's husband has allowed her to see her family - 37Days confined to a single Hospice room - 1,482

Photo 1: We were young once, and so was Terri Photo 2: Terri in her wedding dress And now, - The Years of Neglect: Photo 3: BEFORE the malpractice suit and the guardianship hearings, Michael Schiavo made sure that his wife Terri was (fairly) well taken care of, and attractive. Photo 4: AFTER Michael S. had been awarded the big money in the malpractice suit, and the guardianship of Terri, - THEN "The Years of Neglect" REALLY began! Photo 4 on the right, is a more recent photo of Terri and her mother, after the years that Michael S. has denied Terri the therapy, THAT he had promised in Court, and that several doctors, nurses, and therapists have suggested would be helpful to improve Terri's condition.

They can find the best polish on the market to prepare for this competition. No special brand or amount of polish can REMOVE THE CORROSION, THE RUST, THE TARNISH of the POLICE, THE JUDICIARY, THE HOSPICE, MORTON PLANT HOSPITAL, THE SO CALLED CIVIC LEADERS REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATS ALIKE. They are all players and CLEARWATER IS RUSTING FASTER THAN THE TITANIC as she sits at the bottom of the sea.

The bottom dwellers are right here in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida.

PLEASE EMAIL the National Civil League, call or write them and CONTACT Doug Matthews of the City of Clearwater and advise him that they "forgot" about Terri - once again. What about her Civil Rights? What say you, Doug Matthews?????? Contact numbers are at the top of this thread.

I'll be copying to here saundra duffy's excellent letter to the NCL which is on another thread at this time. It's an excellent example of what needs to be done and this is all about an award that is undeserved and should not go to Clearwater, Florida whose police dept. are investigating a HOAX and as long as they do so, Terri is in ISOLATION from her parents, siblings and "people on the list kept by the rent-a-cop" that guards Terri from people that love her and care about her well being.

DAY 37 IN ISOLATION, IN WHAT AMOUNTS TO A JAIL CELL. Terri's been in a CELL for over ten years. WHY?

From the National Civil League web site. This award is a BOON for the winner.

"George H. Gallup, one of the award's founders, described the program as " a Nobel prize for constructive citizenship." As such, communities that have won the All-America City Award have realized numerous benefits, including national recognition and enhanced community pride.

Many All-America City Award winners also have realized significant economic impacts, including new grants, improved bond ratings, increased tourism, and greater economic activity.

FV says: The City of Clearwater SHOULD REALIZE Terri's existence before they receive monetary awards for being a leading standard bearer for civil rights and policing.

It will be a tremendous honor for the American cities that will be among those designated as your Top 30 in this year's list.

By most objective criteria, I am sure the nominees are all wonderful places, and excellent examples of the best and most delightfully liveable cities in our nation today.

However, Clearwater, Florida, whatever its surface merits may be, stands out glaringly in an otherwise first-rate list. It is the single city on the list I personally would never, ever travel to, through, or stop in for a visit. Why? Because of a dark undercurrent in Clearwater that currently dominates everything else. It is serious enough that protest groups have been organized all over the country to publicize what is happening and fight it. Clearwater means only one thing to many of us since last October. You see, I am slightly disabled, and if anything would happen to me there, I would fear for my life. I would fear to be under medical care where Terri Schiavo, a tragically disabled young woman, lies as a virtual prisoner, deprived of all comfort and care beyond basic and grim maintenance, a virtual prisoner whose mother and father are not even permitted to see her, while a court and hospice system work relentlessly to push through a euthanasia agenda. THIS is what Clearwater, and the Pinellas-Pasco County area are known for today. Is THIS an all-American city to hold up to honor, while this is going on?

Whatever Clearwater has to offer, it is a dark place right now, while this blight continues, and does not belong on your list. Please reconsider your choice.

Greetings from Fresno CA where we were an All American City in 1967 and in 2000. Regarding Clearwater, Florida, which is being considered to be awarded the title All American City - please deny their request. Clearwater is the scene of a great crime against humanity. Terri Schiavo, who is a severely disabled woman, was almost starved to death.

If it hadn't been for Gov. Jeb Bush's emergency intervention, Terri would be dead now, having sufferred a hideous painful slow agonizing death by being deprived of food and water. For the record, it is a crime to withhold food and water from farm animals. Does this sound like something that would be done in an All American City?!

The Pope has declared it an act of great sin to remove the feeding tube from a person who depends on it for sustenance. Are the Catholic residents of Clearwater aware that the Pope has condemned the practice of starving people to death by removing their feeding tubes?!

Is the general population of Clearwater aware that Terri Schiavo is being treated in an inhuman, cruel manner? Terri is not in a coma; she is not brain dead; she is not on a respirator. She is a living, breathing human being. Her "husband in name only" Michael Schiavo treats her like an animal. He has tried for about ten years to kill her by dehydration and starvation.

Anyway, Clearwater, Florida, is a place I want to stay as far away from as I can. There are people living there who think it's okay to starve Terri Schiavo to death. I think most people don't know the facts. If they did, they'd be as outraged as I am. The media has done a pretty good job of keeping people in the dark.

Please do NOT recommend Clearwater Florida for this award. Please! They don't deserve it. It would make a laughing stock out of that city. Many protesters would converge. The word is spreading far and wide. We detest any place where people like Terri Schiavo are treated worse than animals.

An excerpt of my email to the NCL with a picture of Terri sitting up and very much alive.

Please visit the HYPERLINK below and you'll see why I am AGAINST the City of Clearwater being voted an All American City. I may not having voting rights but if your selection is based upon civil rights and respecting every human life, it's a poor fit. CLEARWATER has not done anything to support this innocent woman!!!!!!!

Our hospitals, police dept., judges, attorneys, local media and some politicians very much want an innocent woman STARVED TO DEATH. They've already tried to kill Terri Schindler-Schiavo "twice". She didn't have a living will but they want to kill her anyway. The husband's attorney got Terri's rehab money for legal fees spent on trying to kill Terri. That's over a half a million dollars.

Florida's Terri's Law HAS NOT AFFORDED TERRI ANY PROTECTIONS EXCEPT THAT HER FEEDING TUBE WAS RESTORED after October 21, 2003. The hospital hesitated to admit Terri into their hospital to save her life that evening.

All American DISASTER WINNER is Clearwater, Florida, not appropriate for your esteemed competition.

Clearwater, All American Disaster is USING the police force to keep an innocent disabled woman from her family that loves her. DAY 36...

This matter has also been reported to Amnesty International and is covered regularly by worldnetdaily.com, weeklystandard.com,coasttocoast with George Noor, lifenews.com,cnsnews.com,johnsipos.com,freerepublic.com,Fox News Channel, renewamerica.us,CNN, MSNBC, and many more.

Sincerely,

xxxxxxxxxxxxx, resident of Pinellas County (I'm Watching My Back freepers - telling the truth in this town may be hazardous to our health)

Just the fact along that Michael torments a woman whom he wants dead through starvation and prevents her parents from even visiting her reveals his sadism. That the system lets him get away with it is inexcusable.

If the City is forced to talk about these unpleasantries to justify being in the Top 30 for All American City, maybe some hearts and minds will WAKE UP!!! This is more important than it looks on the surface imo.

Love 'em or hate 'em, the www.sptimes.com is a good resource used in conjunction with the internet.

As a homeowner in the downtown area of Clearwater, I must confess that I'm both encouraged and proud that you've decided to honor our fair city with the designation of City of 2004.

Being inside of a tiny and immaculate downtown, being close to a glorious waterfront and having a tremendous sense of community with my neighbors and the local business owners has, indeed, been a positive experience. I would venture that Clearwater offers a great many benefits to its resident. Unless, of course, they are females.

You see, a highly corrupt and cliqued judiciary makes it rather difficult for women to live their lives uninterrupted. Case in point, judge George Greer practically signed a death warrant for an innocent woman by the name of Helene Ball McGee when he refused to issue a protective order against her abusive husband. Two weeks later, the unfortunate Ms. McGee was found dead - stabbed to death by that husband.

Judge Greer has also ordered the dehydration death of another innocent woman, Terri Schindler-Schiavo. Even though doing so breaks a number of laws and is a violation of a number of Federal statutes, Judge Greer has taken the posture that those pesky laws don't matter. Only his rulings.

That said, this same man has demonstrated relationships with attorneys, local hospice facilities and even the local Sheriff. All of which leads one to think that Clearwater is running amuck with good old boys who couldn't give a toss about the rights of its female population. At very least, certainly not its vulnerable population.

It's a pity that Clearwater is not deserving of any such distinction. I'm certain you can find a less corrupt, less dangerous place than Clearwater for bestowing your award upon. Though lovely, Clearwater is, without doubt, a very dangerous place to live. Don't mind the crime rate on the streets. Try looking at the crime rate coming out of the courts.

Please rethink your position. I would assess that many female advocates and disability groups would take serious offense to such an award being bestowed on such a hostile community.

On March 26th, a complaint was filed with the AHCA (Agency For Health Care Administration) with regard to 1- (2 ) of Terri's teeth missing, possibly decayed and broken at the gum line; questioning Terri's poor dental hygiene, neglect or abuse. 2- unkempt appearance, 3- bed sore on her buttock 4- concerns with regard to her not receiving therapy or social activity.

FACT On April 6th, a response was received from the AHCA (Agency For Health Care Administration) stating on April 1st, they visited the facility where Terri resides. ACHA writes, "allegations made were not substantiated, no violations of state or federal were cited."

FACT On April 20th, Deborah Bushnell (Schiavo's attorney) advises the Schindler's that during the week of April 12th, Terri was taken to an oral surgeon for 5 teeth to be extracted.

Will the Honest Party Please Stand Up?

AHCA who writes they could find no problems, therefore, the complaint was not substantiated to further investigation.

~ Or ~

Deborah Bushnell who stated that 5 teeth of Terri's needed to be extracted due to deterioration and nonuse?

FACT On March 29th, Deborah Bushnell & George Felos (Schiavo attorney's) inform the Schindler's that there were "puncture marks" found on Terri's arm stating Felos and she reported their finding to DCF(Department of Children and Family for an investigation to be initiated for battery. Bushnell stated, "Terri was also receiving medical attention to determine the extent of her injuries."

Thus, Bushnell further advised the Schindler's that Michael Schiavo had removed all visitation rights from the Schindler's, stating they could not see their daughter until further notice.

The incident took place 38 Days ago. To date, Terri Schindler-Schiavo remains in isolation and her mother Mary is still not permitted to visit with her.

FACT On March 30th, AHCA again was notified. A complaint was filed regarding the "alleged abuse" that was reported by Felos, stating Terri had "puncture marks" on her arm.

FACT On April 6th, AHCA writes "the allegations were investigated on April 1st and not substantiated," therefore, no violations of state or federal were cited."

FACT During the week of April 12th, a telephone conversation occurred with AHCA Nurse Inspector (D.S.) who conducted the physical examination on Terri. She stated the red marks she saw on Terri's arms appeared to be red dots. She was asked if they resembled that of "petechia"? She replied, "Yes."

Will the Honest Party Please Stand Up?

AHCA who writes the complaint was not substantiated therefore, no further investigation would be completed.

~Or ~

Deborah Bushnell & George Felos who has accused the Schindler's of the alleged puncture marks, abuse and battery....thus removing all visitation rights from their daughter.

Please click on petition below. It is this type of arbitrary dissemination of false information and accusations that generates the needs for this type of petition.

No one does believe that the family would harm Terri. But, the Clearwater Police Dept. have an OPEN INVESTIGATION.

Here's the contact number for the CLEARWATER POLICE DEPT. Some freepers who like to talk to cops should call this guy: Lieutant Mark Tunis at #727-562-4352. Are they conducting a real investigation or just stalling?????????

REMINDER: As per usual, if we place calls, we are not family members or with their legal team. It's good to make that clear up front. FV

We need everyone to think of everyone they know to call the U.S. SENATORS AND CONGRESSMAN, THE PRESIDENT, THEIR GOVERNORS, THEIR MAYORS, TO CALL ALAN KEYES, TO CONTACT U.S. SENATOR JON KYL OF ARIZONA and to CONTACT DELEGATE BOB MARSHALL OF VIRGINIA.

That's just for starters. THEY ARE GOING TO ATTEMPT MURDER AGAIN!!!!! Decision came down this afternoon.

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